Jonathan Page Interview

Jonathan Page: 'I'll Hope for a Magical Day'

America's reigning national cyclocross champion looks to Worlds and talks about life in Europe

erik mitchell

(Photo by Page's best cyclocross worlds finish was second place in 2007. (Courtesy Fuji Bikes))

Bicycling: What was it like to win your fourth national title this year?Jonathan Page: Satisfying, fun, mostly a relief! It's the best one out of all of them I think.

For the past few years, you have been a one-man team, what has that experience been like?I am never a one-man team. I've got my family, friends, [my mechanic] Franky, my supporters yelling for me.

During the 'cross season you live in Europe. What is that like? How is it different than in the U.S.?There are good things about it for sure. It's the place to be if you are a bike racer and it's also pretty cool that my kids are growing up bilingual, with French thrown in too. But there are also challenges that we wouldn't face if we lived in the U.S. full time and we do miss some things.

What was the most challenging thing for you when you first moved to Europe?Simple things like the grocery store and call centers to get things in the house set up. Neither my wife nor I spoke Dutch then so we had to rely on someone to help us for most things.

How is the sport perceived in Europe versus America? Are the fans different?I think the fans are about the same. They cheer their butts off for the person they want to win and are psyched if it works out for them.

How are American 'cross riders received by their European counterparts and the fans? Has it changed since you first started racing in Europe?
When I first got there, I was not well received. No matter where I was in the field, I was yelled at to get the hell out of the way or told to get to the back where I belonged. But the longer I stuck with it, the more they accepted me as just another rider out there. Now, they have more respect at the start for the new guys coming over. As far as the fans, in the beginning, I had half and half. Half telling me I sucked and calling me George Bush or Lance, half really cheering me on. I think it's about the same for those coming over now, unless you have a beard.

'Cross in America has exploded over the past five years. Why is the sport is still dominated by Europeans?'Cross is life for them. I don't know how else to say it.

What are your expectations for Louisville?I expect that I will show up to the line on time and ready to race. I will hope for a magical day, as I've not had one yet this season.